John Sheridan is expecting a tricky opener against Torquay United but remains optimistic about the upcoming campaign.

Latics kick off the season with the long journey to Plainmoor in two-and-a-half weeks as they prepare for life in the National League.

Sheridan says it is a very demanding league in terms of fitness but is hopeful that his side can get off to a winning start.

"We have got a lot of long trips. Torquay were a league club for a long time,” he told The Oldham Times.

“It is a difficult start for us, they have got a really experienced manager there. Every game is going to be very difficult, it is a physical league.

“Fitness wise, lots and lots of teams are very fit so it is going to be a tough season for us, but I do believe we can do well.

"It is a long trip so we have got to go down the night before. I know it is going to be a tough game but I'm sure we will have a few fans there.

"It is a good test for us first game, but we will take it and hopefully we will go and win the game.”

Hallum Hope was on target against Wigan Athletic over the weekend, and Sheridan is pleased with how his side approached the fixture despite the result.

"I was really pleased with the first half performance,” he added. “The shape of the team and the way the players went about the game playing against a big, strong squad that Leam (Richardson) brought with Wigan.”

Several summer signings were in action at the weekend, including Zaine Francis-Angol, Liam Hogan, Chris Porter and Magnus Norman.

The Latics boss is pleased with the impact that the new recruits have had so far since arriving at Boundary Park.

"They are good lads. A lot of them are local. Zaine is probably the only one that has come from the south but he lives in Manchester and knows the area,” he explained.

"I think they all get on with each other. There are a few of them who are vocal, which I like, and that's going to be an important part of us doing well.”

Latics are back in action this evening with a trip to Bradford Park Avenue and Sheridan is planning to give youth a chance.

“There will be a few younger players getting a bit of game time,” he added. “It is astroturf, which I didn't know before we arranged the game.

“There will be a few younger players getting a run-out. Then there is the game against Mansfield, which is going to be a bigger test for us.

"There were a couple of players missing (against Wigan) - Dan Gardner, Lois Maynard, Jordan Clarke.”